Authority: Supreme Court Special Lok Adalat

Order Date: 22-08-2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Appellant – SRI DIGAMBER JAIN PANCHAYATI MANDIR EVAM JAIN BHAWAN; Respondents – NARESH & ORS.
  • The dispute was resolved through a Settlement Agreement dated 11‑08‑2026.
  • Respondents each received a Demand Draft of Rs 1,61,000, which they acknowledged receipt of.
  • The appellant had earlier deposited Rs 1,28,970 and Rs 12,89,700 with the respective authorities pending the outcome.

Final Outcome

  • The award directs that the amounts of Rs 1,28,970 and Rs 12,89,700 deposited by the appellant be returned to the appellant with any accrued interest, as expeditiously as possible.
  • The Settlement Agreement is deemed an integral part of this award; the Registry is instructed to draw up a decree accordingly.
  • The question whether the appellant/temple qualifies as an “industry” under Section 2(j) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 or Section 2(p) of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 is left open for future determination.
  • Civil Appeals No(s). 11318‑11321/2025 are disposed in these terms.

Topics: Settlement Award, Legal Dispute, Temple Trust